Determining the biogenic carbon fraction is becoming increasingly important in research into bio-based materials, alternative fuels and circular raw materials.
Through radiocarbon analysis it is possible to accurately determine which portion of a material originates from biogenic sources and which part is derived from fossil carbon.
The SCAR-based technology from NC Technologies provides an innovative solution for radiocarbon measurements in the laboratory. When combined with high-performance Elementar carbon analysers, it forms a comprehensive analytical platform for determining the biogenic fraction in a wide range of materials. This integrated approach enables C14 measurements to be performed quickly, reliably and with excellent reproducibility.
Carbon-14, commonly referred to as C14 or radiocarbon, is a radioactive carbon isotope naturally present in living organisms. Materials derived from biomass therefore contain a characteristic amount of C14. Fossil materials such as petroleum, coal and natural gas contain virtually no radiocarbon, as the C14 has decayed over millions of years.
By measuring the ratio between C14 and stable carbon isotopes, it is possible to determine the proportion of a material that originates from recent biological sources. This method is widely used to determine the biogenic carbon content in materials such as plastics, fuels, waste streams and chemical products.
C14 analysis therefore plays an important role in sustainability research, quality control and the certification of bio-based products.
The SCAR methode, also known as Saturated-Absorption Cavity Ring-Down spectroscopy (SCAR), is an advanced laser-based technique for detecting radiocarbon. In this method, a sample is first combusted so that all carbon is converted into CO₂. The signal of the ¹⁴CO₂ molecule is then measured using highly sensitive spectroscopic detection.
SCAR technology enables radiocarbon to be analysed directly within the laboratory without the need for complex facilities such as Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS). This makes radiocarbon analysis more accessible, faster and easier to integrate into routine analytical workflows.
Thanks to the high sensitivity and stability of the SCAR method, the biogenic fraction of a sample can be determined with a high degree of accuracy. This makes the technique particularly suitable for applications where a reliable distinction between fossil and biogenic carbon is required.
The NC Technologies 14C SCAR detector has been developed as a specialised instrument for radiocarbon measurements in laboratories and research institutions. The system analyses CO₂ produced from the combustion of a sample and subsequently determines the concentration of ¹⁴CO₂ through spectroscopic detection.
This approach allows laboratories to perform radiocarbon analyses independently, without relying on external AMS facilities. As a result, analysis times can be significantly reduced and radiocarbon measurements can be integrated more effectively into routine analytical workflows.
The technology is designed to provide high reproducibility and accuracy, enabling reliable determination of the biogenic carbon fraction across a wide concentration range.
For a complete analytical workflow, the 14C SCAR detector is combined with Elementar carbon analysers. These instruments represent the first step in the analytical process by fully oxidising samples and converting their carbon content into CO₂. This gas is subsequently used for the radiocarbon analysis.
The integration of Elementar carbon analysers with SCAR technology creates a powerful analytical workflow in which sample combustion, gas analysis and radiocarbon measurement are seamlessly connected. This results in a robust solution for laboratories working with biogenic materials, waste streams or emissions research.
Within this product group, systems from the 8000 series and 4000 series are commonly used. These carbon analysers are designed for precise elemental analysis of solid, liquid and gaseous samples and provide a reliable foundation for radiocarbon measurements.
Radiocarbon analysis using the SCAR method is applied in a wide range of research and industrial applications. The technique plays an important role in the analysis of bio-based materials, the verification of renewable feedstocks and the determination of the biogenic fraction in complex material streams.
In addition, radiocarbon measurements are widely used in research on fuels, emissions and recycling processes, as well as in academic research on carbon cycles and isotope analysis. By accurately determining the origin of carbon, the method provides valuable insights into the composition and sustainability of materials.